The Top 100 once again returns this week, counting down those players ranked from 40 to 31. Last week’s edition concluded with English tighthead prop Dan Cole.

40. Jamie Roberts (WAL) – Centre
When Jonathon Davies – another player who would have ranked highly on this list – revealed that the ligaments in his knee had been badly damaged and he may miss the World Cup as a consequence, the entire Welsh rugby contingent held their breath in anticipation.

Unfortunately, their fears were proven correct when stalwart Davies pulled out of the tournament soon after, devastating their nation’s hopes at claiming an inaugural title after coming close in 2011. However, in Jamie Roberts they possess a player among the very best in the world, who will no doubt relish the opportunity to rest the hopes of a nation upon his broad shoulders.

Physically, Roberts is a monster of a man, standing at six foot four and weighing around 110 kilograms, he is one of the biggest centres in the game. Combining devastating running, crunching defence, and remarkable ball skills for such a big man, since the 2009 Lions tour Roberts has set the benchmark for European second fives.

Aside from his physical attributes, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Racing Metro centre’s play is his clear thinking and tactical nous. Although powerful in contact, Roberts’ running lines are exceptional, especially from broken play and set piece. Also able to read opposition defences, rarely will he buckle under pressure and make errors that may cost his team, especially in important parts of the field.

The Welsh giant will surely play a crucial role later in the year, and given he is one of the focal points of his team’s offensive gameplan, could well be one of the most important and game-breaking players in the tournament.

39. Courtney Lawes (ENG) – Lock
The English enforcer. As far as toughness is concerned, there is no more rugged and uncompromising player in the northern hemisphere than the Northampton Saint’s 26 year-old bruiser. Making his international debut in 2009 following a powerful Aviva Premiership campaign, Lawes’ impact upon the English side was almost immediate, with his unparalleled physicality earning him a spot in the 2010 Six Nations and Autumn international squads, where he recorded memorable performances against Australia, Wales and Scotland.

However, despite the calibre of his style of play and on-field presence never being in question, Lawes never really developed consistency in his early years, something crucial for the locking position where constant toil and grunt is expected to provide the backbone of a good performance. For two years, Lawes was not considered the first choice for England, but following the Saints’ run to the title in 2014 he has developed into a player that can shine even among the world’s best.

Like all of the game’s greats, Lawes brings his best against the best, and is now an indispensible cog in the English side. Destructive tackling, powerful when carting the ball forward or on the pick and drive, and developing a quick leap when in the lineout that means he is rarely challenged in the air.

On the evidence presented over the past two years, there is little doubt that the monstrous Lawes belongs this high on the list. To put his physicality into perspective, he once hit Morgan Parra so hard he dislocated his own shoulder. That’s real impact.

38. George North (WAL) – Wing
A name that will send a shudder up the spine of most Australian rugby fans, it is amazing to think that at only 23 years old, North has already earned 49 caps for his country, and has thoroughly earned his reputation as one of the best wingers in the game.

Immensely strong, North exploded onto the Test scene in 2010 with a two-try special against South Africa in Cardiff and has never looked back since, being one of the first names inked onto Warren Gatland’s team sheet week in week out for close to half a decade. Maturity has never been a problem for the Harlequins winger, as his all round game has continued to progress and develop since his debut, meaning he is now one of the most accomplished and experienced players in the world.

It is difficult to pinpoint only one particular game where his class was evident, but the Lions tour in 2013 was perhaps his finest achievement, where alongside his opposite Israel Folau, he was the most dangerous player on the ground. Breaking tackles at will, and showcasing the kind of defensive prowess that he is often criticised for lacking, North was the complete package in all three Tests as the Lions claimed their first series victory since 1997.

When given any degree of space, North is difficult to put down, and even when in contact his size allows him to win collisions with players of any position. Sure to feature at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and probably many more after that, North will enter this tournament as a known quantity, and teams will be sure to pay extra attention to him whenever his is on the park. In one of the hardest pool groups ever seen, Wales will need their behemoth to be on song come October.

37. Cian Healy (IRE) – Loosehead Prop
One of the biggest players in world rugby, in recent seasons Irish prop Cian Healy has been a walking, talking highlights reel, combining the foundational set piece skills needed for a frontrower with dynamic open play skills more typical of a loose forward.

Making his debut in 2009, Healy was a rare species of prop that immediately shone at Test level, aged only 22 at the time. Since then, despite the rise of another outstanding young loosehead in Jack McGrath, he has held a mortgage on the number one jersey, and has seemingly returned year after year with another skill to add to his already impressive repertoire.

Powerful ball carrying with a deceptive turn of pace, bone crunching defence, over the ball ability, skills such as these have emerged gradually as the now 27-year-old Leinster man has made a name for himself as not only one of the world’s best props, but all round players too.

Like all great individuals, the biggest games bring out the best in Healy, with his man of the match effort against Australia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup the standout performance of his career in a game not many expected the Irish to win. The past year has seen him battle injury, but if he is able to get some minutes in the lead-up, this is one player who is seemingly destined to shine in the Rugby World Cup, and the Irish would not be the same without him.

36. Sonny Bill Williams (NZL) – Centre
Five weeks ago, coming out the back of a Super Rugby campaign in which he struggled to get going, many were questioning if Williams was a viable option for Steve Hansen going into the ultimate arena in world rugby. His form was down, and seemingly so too was his confidence, with a comedy of errors characterising his game against Samoa earlier in July.

But like any world-class player, it was surely only a matter of time before he ignited and reminded the world why he is one of the most gifted athletes to grace the field. And ignite he did, against Argentina in Christchurch, where his running, defence and offloading skills were at their very best, as Los Pumas failed to contain a rampant All Black side.

The spotlight seems to follow most league converts in their Union endeavors, but with Williams it is for all the right reasons, as since his All Black debut in 2010 he has continued year after year to make miraculous strides as a player in the 15-man game. One on one, he usually either breaks the tackle or keeps the ball alive with his offloads, meaning opposition defences are often forced double up on him, which can mean danger if it frees up space out wide.

But it is not his individual effect that makes this writer rank him so highly, but his influence on the team as a whole. It is worth mentioning that from 2010 to 2014, almost every team Williams played in won their major titles. Canterbury in 2010, the All Blacks from 2010 to 2014, the Roosters in 2013, the Chiefs in 2012, the success that seems to follow the man everywhere means it is difficult not to put him among the very best. If being rested from the tour to South Africa is anything to go by, Sonny Bill Williams will surely feature in New Zealand’s World Cup plans.

35. Willie Le Roux (RSA) – Fullback
This was a hard choice, given that when he is at his best, one would be hard pressed to find a back who is as dangerous as the Cheetahs and now Sharks bound fullback. At only 25, Le Roux has already proven his value on the world stage, and there is still plenty of time for him to become even better.

Gliding runs, beautiful footwork and resounding tactical prowess, if there is one word to sum up Willie Le Roux it is ‘natural’. The skills he possesses look so instinctive and unforced, which can only result from a natural awareness of space and game-reading skills that most backs will never possess. Utilised best from the fullback position, he is often able to breathe life into stuttering offences by freeing up room for his outside backs.

Long, quick passing and deadly accurate kicking is also within his repertoire, making him a potent threat as all his skills must be considered when marking up on him. However, it must be said that despite his tremendous skills, he is held back by some erratic performances and occasionally questionable defence, although these are not prevalent often. Regardless, Le Roux is a staple for the Springboks’ backline, and given their newfound love of running rugby, he is indispensable to their cause.

34. Will Genia (AUS) – Scrumhalf
Four years ago, and an argument could be made for two points: that the mercurial Will Genia was undoubtedly the finest halfback in the game, and perhaps even the finest player overall. Weaknesses were but a fantasy for opposition sides, and even on a bad day the Reds maestro was peerless around the field.

Cover tackling, box kicks, passing, leadership and of course those scintillating linebreaks, there was nothing he could not do, with the 2011 Super Rugby season presenting one long highlight reel for the man that struck fear into the hearts of all he played against. But Genia has taken somewhat of a step back in recent seasons, being unable to capture the form that saw him become one of the game’s greats.

Indeed the 2013 Lions tour was in fact the last time fans saw the man they had come to know and love, as injuries and form problems have hampered him right up to the present day. However, at only 27, it would be foolish to suggest Genia is a spent force, and under the Michael Cheika led Wallabies, the Rugby World Cup presents the perfect opportunity for him to get back to his best.

Make no mistake, if Genia is able to fire for the men in gold, it will go a long way to determining where they finish their campaign. Thirty-four may be a bit generous for a player who appears to be struggling, but given what he has accomplished in recent years, it would be a travesty to rank him any worse.

33. Jean De Villiers (RSA) – Centre
Every so often in any given sport, a player comes along who is seemingly inhuman in the way he possesses such unbelievable mental fortitude. Resilience like this allows him to strike form at times his team most needs it despite overwhelming odds, and to rebound from adversity as if nothing had ever happened.

Adrian Peterson’s MVP season in 2012, Tiger Woods’ miraculous return to the top, Kerry Strug’s 1996 gymnastic feats, Richie McCaw’s 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign, all stories of amazing athletes overcoming seemingly catastrophic injuries or indiscretions to achieve glory, and let it be known now, that the return of Jean De Villiers for the Rugby World Cup 2015 has the potential to go down in South African and world rugby folklore.

A horrific knee injury ended his 2014 season, and potentially his World Cup hopes. But was there really any doubt he would come back in time? De Villiers is among the best players in the world, and the passion he has for his country is embedded in everything he does. As a player, there really isn’t much he cannot do, as his game has been refined from the 13 years he has spent at the top level.

If he had not suffered this injury, he would have come in somewhere within the top 20, and this writer would not be surprised to see him return to those lofty heights. Regardless of his physical role, De Villiers will play an enormous role for the Springboks later this year, as he chases both a prize and a story that could see him ranked among the game’s most treasured names.

32. Thierry Dusautoir (FRA) – Flanker
If you were to ask any Kiwi for the identity of the player they most feared (this one included), this is the name that would most likely come up. Nearly every World Cup the All Blacks come in as favourites, and more than once the hopes and expectations of a nation have been derailed by a French side which turns on the class when up against the men in black.

2007 was the last time this eventuality occurred, and it so nearly reared its head again in 2011, and at the heart of it all was Dusautoir. Superhuman doesn’t even do it justice. In 2007, he scored a try and made no less than 38 tackles in the famous win, a record number which is yet to be eclipsed even today. In 2011, despite the French falling agonisingly short by the barest of margins, the man dubbed ‘The Conductor’ by Richie McCaw was at it again, scoring their only try and making well over 20 stops.

Since then, Les Blues have re-inherited their traditional inconsistent character, with some amazing wins often promptly followed up complete howlers the week after. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that attempting to write off the French at World Cups is a recipe for disaster, and they play no finer rugby than when their backs are against the wall.

If seedings play out as expected, they will play, you guessed it, the All Blacks in the quarter-finals at the same venues they did in 2007. It is likely Dusautoir will lead them again here, and if there is any player who can do the unthinkable and knock out what is being touted as the best side in the modern era, it is him. One gets the feeling age will not be a factor for him at this Rugby World Cup.

31. Niko Matawalu (FIJ) – Scrum Half
One of the game’s most quiet achievers, Matawalu has showcased his skills around the world in recent years, leaving a trail of success in his wake. Earning a contract with Glasgow in 2012, the last two years have seen the Polynesian halfback cement his reputation as one of the finest players in the game, and is ranked the third finest halfback on this list.

To both his club and national side, Matawalu brings the usual flair that Islander players are well known for, possessing an electric turn of pace on top of a brilliant distribution game able to set either backline alight. But what is unique about the 26-year-old are his core skills, which he has honed over the past few seasons to make him close to the complete player.

Accurate box kicking and excellent scrambling defence are vital strings to his bow that other halfbacks would do well to emulate, as off the back of his strong performances, both Fiji and Glasgow have claimed the Pacific Nations Cup and the Pro 12 Cup respectively. An influential presence at halfback is a must have for any side, and Matawalu has bucked the Islander trend of being brilliant in space but tactically fallible.

It would not surprise this writer one bit to see Fiji claim the scalp of one of the big three in Pool A at the Rugby World Cup, and it would likely come off the back of a majestic performance from their world class halfback.

That concludes another edition of the Top 100, as we begin to near the top of the list. The top 30 will kick off next week beginning with a young centre who has cemented his status as one of the most skilful in the game over the past few years.